On 17th September 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), introduced a crucial regulation: the Safety of Household, Commercial, and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2024. This move aims to enhance the safety standards of electrical appliances used in homes and commercial settings across India.

Under this order, all electrical appliances with specific voltage ratings—250V for single-phase AC and 415V for three-phase AC—must comply with the Indian Standard IS 302 (Part 1): 2008. These standards are now mandatory, and manufacturers must obtain certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to bear the BIS Standard Mark. This ensures that the products we use daily are designed and tested for safety and quality

Key Highlights of the Order

1. Applicability: The order covers household, commercial, and similar appliances, but excludes products already governed by other BIS quality standards.
2. Standard Mark Requirement: All applicable products must bear the BIS Standard Mark, ensuring they meet the required safety standards.
3. Exceptions and Grace Periods:

·       Small and micro enterprises have been granted a grace period—9 and 12 months respectively—to comply with the new regulations.

·       Up to 200 units of appliances can be imported annually for research and development without the need to follow this order, provided these goods are not sold commercially.

Why Is This Important?

By enforcing stricter quality standards, the government aims to minimize the risk of electrical hazards and improve product reliability. Consumers can now have greater confidence that the appliances they purchase will meet high safety benchmarks.

However, businesses must stay updated with these regulatory changes. Manufacturers, especially small and micro enterprises, must ensure they adhere to the timelines to avoid penalties, which will be enforced under the BIS Act, 2016.

In short, the Safety of Household, Commercial, and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2024 is a positive step towards ensuring safer electrical appliances for consumers and creating a more regulated, quality-focused manufacturing environment in India.